Shropshire Star

Desmond at 81 finished fastest in group at Shrewsbury race

A super Shrewsbury pensioner who took up running later on in life after beating cancer came top of his age group in the town's 10k race.

Published
Desmond Lee, 81

Desmond Lee, 81, completed the race in 1 hour and 12 minutes - knocking nine minutes off his personal best time.

After being diagnosed with cancer and subsequently having his kidney removed, Mr Lee lives in the area and took up jogging last year to keep fit.

"I love running and it's a bit of excitement for me," he said.

"I started last year and it made me feel so much better. I've also met lots of nice people so it has double benefits for me.

Inspire

"I do feel quite proud to have finished top of my age group but there's lots of older people out there in their 70s running faster than me."

Mr Lee, who now runs four times a week, hopes his success will encourage others to take up the sport - including his 50-year-old son Jonathan Lee.

"I'm so proud of my dad," Jonathan said.

"He's inspired others to start running which is amazing. I actually went out for a run with him the other day and he shot off and I never saw him again.

"Hopefully next year we can do the Shrewsbury 10k together but I'm not holding out much hope of beating him."